Vox Pop: What are your hopes for Thingyan?

“Thingyan is to wash away the bad times and karma from the last year and make people new. It is good. If all people make merit and pass the festival peacefully, it will be good. As the weather is very hot, people should be aware of their clothing. Match your clothes to the places you are going to avoid unwanted problems.”

Shin Min Hset

“What can I say about Thingyan! This year Thingyan will last for 5 days. For us young people, what we should do is fast and make good merit. Getting merit in Thingyan is the best. I will go around happily with my friends. But, I think we should take care to remain safe.”

Swan Htet

“I am excited. Thingyan is only once a year. It take 4 or 5 days. So, young people should be happy but not be destructive, I would like to say.”

Thiha

“Everybody likes Thinggyan. According to Burmese culture, it is the new year and is very meaningful. Some young people are too modern. So, I hope young people will find happiness with Burmese tradition.”

Thiri Yin Kye Thu

“As the era is changing, so are young people. Young people can enjoy Thingyan lightly without worry. But, people should remember it is a traditional time, and one should avoid using drugs or dressing inappropriately.”

Yan Shin

“I would like to ask all brothers and sisters to wear to dresss very carefully, not showing your flesh in places like the knee or thigh. I would like to urge people to dress according to tradition.”